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Deductibles. Preferred providers. Out-of-network. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. ACA. HMO. PPO. EPO. POS. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Baffled? You should be. Who understands all this stuff? Certainly not the average business owner. Nor the typical worker. Selecting the right healthcare insurance for companies – or for households – appears to require it requires advanced expertise in healthcare.

Our Healthcare System Isn't Just Complex, It's Costly

Based on a recent study, the average family pays $27,000 each year for their health insurance (increasing by 6% from last year). Typical company healthcare expense is expected to surpass $seventeen thousand for each worker in 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Now federal operations has ceased functioning due to political disagreements regarding tax credits which analysts predict could cause premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Truly Examine National Health Insurance?

How soon might we genuinely evaluate universal healthcare coverage in the United States? I have to believe we're approaching that point since this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not suggesting national healthcare. I'm advocating for our current Medicare system – an established insurance framework – merely extend to cover everyone. The existing system remains intact. How our healthcare providers receive payment changes. Believe me, they will adjust.

The Way National Health Insurance Could Function

Universal healthcare coverage would require payments from both employees and employers. In comparable systems, an employee making average wages must contribute approximately 5.3% toward medical coverage. Their employer must contribute approximately 13.75%.

Does this appear like a lot? Unless you contrast it to what average American pays. I can name dozens of businesses that are routinely paying between eight to fifteen percent of their employee wages for medical benefits. And keep in mind that with inclusive programs, those payments include pension plans, sick pay, parental benefits and unemployment benefits along with supporting healthcare facilities. When including these expenses compared with what we pay for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Implementation in the US

For America, universal healthcare funding would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a system already established. It should be means-based – those at higher income levels would contribute higher amounts than those earning less. This includes both worker and company payments. Similar to many federal military, technology, welfare services and transportation services, the system should be outsourced to third-party administrators instead of a government office.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program would be a huge benefit for small businesses like mine. It would place small companies in equal competition with our larger competitors who can afford superior coverage. It would make management significantly simpler (automatic payroll withholding processed similarly to social security and Medicare taxes, rather than separate payments to insurance companies and coverage administrators).

It would enable it easier to plan expenses annual expenditures, instead of going through the complex (and ineffective) process of negotiating with the big insurance providers required annually each year. Due to simplification, there would be improved comprehension about benefits by our employees – contrasted with existing arrangements where they have to decipher the complexities of current options. And there would certainly be less liability for employers as we no longer would be privy to our employees' medical records for purposes of risk assessment and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as capitalist as they get. But I've learned that public institutions has a significant role in society, from providing defense to funding essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage to all via universal healthcare strengthens economic foundations. It's a better, simpler approach for small businesses that employ the majority of the country's workers and fund half the economic output. It enables employees to enjoy better health, come to work more often and increase productivity.

Addressing Concerns

Are there numerous factors I'm not addressing? Certainly. But with all the healthcare cost increases experienced recently, it's clear that the Affordable Care Act is not working effectively. I understand that America isn't a compact European nation where big changes can be readily adopted. However extending universal Medicare, despite the additional taxes required, would still be a superior and less expensive strategy both for controlling healthcare costs but providing access to everyone.

Need for Honest Assessment

We as Americans, we need to tone down our own arrogance. America's medical care isn't so great. We rank well below many other countries in healthcare quality globally, according to major studies. Maybe one bright spot in this present circumstances could be that we undertake serious examination in the mirror and acknowledge that big changes need to happen.